Playing Morris at QB and DG at WR makes the most sense now, both for the program and for DG's future. Given that neither QB is highly polished and both are prone to turnovers, going with the true Sophmore over the redshirt senior makes sense, as the Sophmore presumably has a lot more growth potential and the big reason for playing the redsirt senior - greater chance of winning - is probably not the case. Playing DG at WR (not sure Hoke is going there, but he should) and Morris at QB would help the team more than playing DG at QB with Morris on the bench. Pairing the Devons at WR would provide two large and formidable targets. If Funchess cannot play, DG provides a boost to the WR unit. Playing DG at WR at this point (if his ego will let him let go of the QB dream), is probably also best for his future in football. I have a hard time seeing DG as a viable NFL QB given his struggles and inconsistency. Therefore, his best chance of playing at the next level is at WR. That is hard discussion to have with him, but I think someone should have it.
I agree that Borges's rationale for running Denard (our only real chance of being competitive in that game) is bogus. He was very defensive in the press conference directing people to look at the stats on QBs trying to run on Alabama. But this is Denard. The reason he's being discussed as a potential heisman candidate is he is a special athlete. To sit him in the pocket and not exploit his best asset is a waste.
I find it interesting that Michigan does not consider someone committed if he takes a visit to another school.
Meanwhile Ohio still considers Dunn a commit (albeit soft) after visiting its arch rival Michigan on two straight weekends, including The Game. He was literally on our side with our recruits for the game versus Ohio, the school he is supposedly committed to.
In the end, maybe this aids Ohio and he stays. I've go to wonder though how this sits with the current Ohio players and staff.
Michigan clearly would not allow this and its got to speak volumes.
I think Hoke has it right, even if it means we lose out on some top talent.
One of the most encouraging things this year was the way that the team improved from week to week. The Nebraska game was a real breakthrough in my mind.
The defense improved signficantly. Tackling by the defense was excellent. They completely shut down Nebraska. I think Mattison gambled a bunch against OSU and put the game on Miller's thorwing - which turned out to be a decent (though scary) bet.
I thought that the offense also improved by the end of the year. The offense against Nebraska and OSU, both tough defenses, was balanced and strong. We put up big points against both Ds. In previous years, I thought our offense regressed at the end of the year. For example, last year we only put up 7 points against OSU. That may be b/c of external factors (outside pressure, kids getting worn out by the end of the season, coaching change rumors etc.) but that was the reality.
Even special teams improved by the end of the year (despite the fumbled punt).
I have to chalk this up to coaching. This staff has done a tremenous job. I still think RR would have done a great job in the long run and I'm not sure if I would have let RR go.
I was however a big fan of the Hoke hire. He is a great fit for Michigan. There is an untangile benefit to having someone at the helm that is in their dream job. This has to help in recruiting (Hoke must be powerful explaining to recruits that Michigan is his dream job), in coaching (he can feel these rivalry games like us and has inherent respect for all the past Michigan teams), and with the press (his statements are very believable).
Kidos to RR for some of the exciting players he brought to MIchigan that would never be there. His biggest success is Denard. He does not get enough credit for creating Denard. We should continue a pipeline to Flordia - allowing this to collapse would be a shame. I am surprised by how well RR's staff recruited under the radar guys for the D, like Ryan and Morgan - two of my favorite D players (once he finally realized several years in the importance of finding good D players to plug in). It will be interesting to see how Hoke and company do.
Cheers to the future. Hoke and his staff are clearly good coaches. If nothing else they were able to adapt their schmes to the players they have and produce a well disciplined team in all phases of the game.
The future of Michigan football is bright. Go Blue!!
I just rewatched the Iowa game from last year. Several observations:
(1) RR ran Denard much more than Borges but it was not all that effective at getting points on the board. The offense failed to score more than a touchdown through the 3rd Quarter. Denard got beat up and had to leave the game in the 3rd with an injury that kep him out of the game. Downside of running Deanrd more than the RBs. Iowa's defense also contained him fairly well.
(2) Same issues were apparent, especailly turnovers. Denard threw one. Tate threw two.
(3) Panlties are less of a problem this year.
(4) The game this year was much closer as we could have easily tied the game. Last year's game was a blow out. We were behind 35 to 14 going into the 4th Quarter.
Although the result was the same you can see the progress this year. Defense is much better (and probably helped by the slower pace of the offense). The offense is more balanced with fewer turnovers (Iowa 2009 5 turnovers, Iowa 2010 4 turnovers,Iowa 2011 2 turnovers).
I'm expecting the NCAA to accept Ohio's self-imposed penalties (as weak as they are). Ohio has likley already coordinated with the NCAA on the proper punishment (I believe Smith said as much in his press conference on the self-imposed penalties). The NCAA is unlikely to dig as much as the sports writers and even if they did people are less likely to talk to the NCAA (you can't go "off the record"). TP is gone and with him the NCAA's ability to interview him. So.... Dunn is probably unlikely to make a switch. All in all, this will be significant b/c it brought down Tressel. Overall, though the coaching loss and uncertainty that has hovered over the program (leading to lost time and decommits) will be the biggest blows to the Buckeyes.
Recent Comments
Playing Morris at QB and DG at WR makes the most sense now, both for the program and for DG's future. Given that neither QB is highly polished and both are prone to turnovers, going with the true Sophmore over the redshirt senior makes sense, as the Sophmore presumably has a lot more growth potential and the big reason for playing the redsirt senior - greater chance of winning - is probably not the case. Playing DG at WR (not sure Hoke is going there, but he should) and Morris at QB would help the team more than playing DG at QB with Morris on the bench. Pairing the Devons at WR would provide two large and formidable targets. If Funchess cannot play, DG provides a boost to the WR unit. Playing DG at WR at this point (if his ego will let him let go of the QB dream), is probably also best for his future in football. I have a hard time seeing DG as a viable NFL QB given his struggles and inconsistency. Therefore, his best chance of playing at the next level is at WR. That is hard discussion to have with him, but I think someone should have it.
I agree that Borges's rationale for running Denard (our only real chance of being competitive in that game) is bogus. He was very defensive in the press conference directing people to look at the stats on QBs trying to run on Alabama. But this is Denard. The reason he's being discussed as a potential heisman candidate is he is a special athlete. To sit him in the pocket and not exploit his best asset is a waste.
Mich's version of Dee Hart?
I find it interesting that Michigan does not consider someone committed if he takes a visit to another school.
Meanwhile Ohio still considers Dunn a commit (albeit soft) after visiting its arch rival Michigan on two straight weekends, including The Game. He was literally on our side with our recruits for the game versus Ohio, the school he is supposedly committed to.
In the end, maybe this aids Ohio and he stays. I've go to wonder though how this sits with the current Ohio players and staff.
Michigan clearly would not allow this and its got to speak volumes.
I think Hoke has it right, even if it means we lose out on some top talent.
Those who stay will be champions
One of the most encouraging things this year was the way that the team improved from week to week. The Nebraska game was a real breakthrough in my mind.
The defense improved signficantly. Tackling by the defense was excellent. They completely shut down Nebraska. I think Mattison gambled a bunch against OSU and put the game on Miller's thorwing - which turned out to be a decent (though scary) bet.
I thought that the offense also improved by the end of the year. The offense against Nebraska and OSU, both tough defenses, was balanced and strong. We put up big points against both Ds. In previous years, I thought our offense regressed at the end of the year. For example, last year we only put up 7 points against OSU. That may be b/c of external factors (outside pressure, kids getting worn out by the end of the season, coaching change rumors etc.) but that was the reality.
Even special teams improved by the end of the year (despite the fumbled punt).
I have to chalk this up to coaching. This staff has done a tremenous job. I still think RR would have done a great job in the long run and I'm not sure if I would have let RR go.
I was however a big fan of the Hoke hire. He is a great fit for Michigan. There is an untangile benefit to having someone at the helm that is in their dream job. This has to help in recruiting (Hoke must be powerful explaining to recruits that Michigan is his dream job), in coaching (he can feel these rivalry games like us and has inherent respect for all the past Michigan teams), and with the press (his statements are very believable).
Kidos to RR for some of the exciting players he brought to MIchigan that would never be there. His biggest success is Denard. He does not get enough credit for creating Denard. We should continue a pipeline to Flordia - allowing this to collapse would be a shame. I am surprised by how well RR's staff recruited under the radar guys for the D, like Ryan and Morgan - two of my favorite D players (once he finally realized several years in the importance of finding good D players to plug in). It will be interesting to see how Hoke and company do.
Cheers to the future. Hoke and his staff are clearly good coaches. If nothing else they were able to adapt their schmes to the players they have and produce a well disciplined team in all phases of the game.
The future of Michigan football is bright. Go Blue!!
I just rewatched the Iowa game from last year. Several observations:
(1) RR ran Denard much more than Borges but it was not all that effective at getting points on the board. The offense failed to score more than a touchdown through the 3rd Quarter. Denard got beat up and had to leave the game in the 3rd with an injury that kep him out of the game. Downside of running Deanrd more than the RBs. Iowa's defense also contained him fairly well.
(2) Same issues were apparent, especailly turnovers. Denard threw one. Tate threw two.
(3) Panlties are less of a problem this year.
(4) The game this year was much closer as we could have easily tied the game. Last year's game was a blow out. We were behind 35 to 14 going into the 4th Quarter.
Although the result was the same you can see the progress this year. Defense is much better (and probably helped by the slower pace of the offense). The offense is more balanced with fewer turnovers (Iowa 2009 5 turnovers, Iowa 2010 4 turnovers,Iowa 2011 2 turnovers).
I'm expecting the NCAA to accept Ohio's self-imposed penalties (as weak as they are). Ohio has likley already coordinated with the NCAA on the proper punishment (I believe Smith said as much in his press conference on the self-imposed penalties). The NCAA is unlikely to dig as much as the sports writers and even if they did people are less likely to talk to the NCAA (you can't go "off the record"). TP is gone and with him the NCAA's ability to interview him. So.... Dunn is probably unlikely to make a switch. All in all, this will be significant b/c it brought down Tressel. Overall, though the coaching loss and uncertainty that has hovered over the program (leading to lost time and decommits) will be the biggest blows to the Buckeyes.
I'm ready to go to war!! Get sick more often.